Shake-Up in the Prosecutor’s Office: New Faces and Mass Resignations

A New Lineup at the Top

On October 25 the Justice Ministry announced its first major appointments under President Lee’s government, naming Gu Ja-hyun as Seoul High Prosecutor and Park Cheol-woo as head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau [web:2][web:3].
The reshuffle included 33 leaders at the prosecutor-general and chief prosecutor levels, with four women among the newly promoted [web:3].
Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho explained this large-scale move aims to stabilize prosecutorial reform and place leaders with proven expertise and public trust in key posts [web:4].

Pro-Yoon Prosecutors Step Aside

On the eve of these appointments, senior figures tied to former President Yoon’s administration submitted mass resignations, voicing concerns over the pace of reform [web:12].
Notable names like Song Kyung-ho and Park Se-hyun publicly warned that hasty changes could weaken the criminal justice system’s ability to protect citizens [web:10].
These departures cleared the way for a new leadership slate perceived as more aligned with Lee’s vision of balanced prosecutorial power [web:10].

Mixed Reactions Online

Netizens are divided: some criticize the return of Yoon-era insiders despite reshuffle rhetoric, calling it mere window dressing [web:21][web:22].
Others celebrate the comeback of reform-minded figures such as Im Eun-jeong and Kim Tae-hoon, calling their appointments a real signal of change [web:23][web:24].
Presidential aides stressed that the reshuffle reflects both competence and the need to minimize conflicts during the push for legal separation of investigation and prosecution [web:25][web:33].

Looking Ahead to Reform

With high-level posts filled, attention now turns to mid-level appointments expected later this year, which will shape the prosecution’s culture and mandate [web:4].
Observers note that this restructuring marks the culmination of decades-long debates over prosecutorial power in Korea and underscores the administration’s commitment to balanced justice [web:3].
The outcome of these reforms may redefine the role of prosecutors and their relationship with independent investigative bodies in the years ahead.